Freedom of the press - this phrase is widely used in our modern language but doesn't seem to be put to use enough. Our society is a free society; and if any individual feels he would like to give recognition to a significant factor, the press is the ideal place to go.

The week of October 5-11 has been designated National Newspaper Week. During this week tribute is paid to more than 1,700 daily and 9,000 weekly newspapers published in this country. It aids in spotlighting the community service roles of newspapers and ways in which the press can be of more service to the personal freedom of the public.

The Westerner staff would be more than happy to attain helpful suggestions from its readers: students, faculty, and even the principal. These suggestions provide the basis of a newspaper which will attract student appeal. One of our systems to transmit these ideas is through the column, Letters to the Editor.

These letters are not put in simply to occupy a few more inches on our pages, but to supply room for ideas which we feel everyone should be aware of. Letters do not have to be printed if there is a request not to do so. In this case, the staff and I will consider the suggestion.

Newspapers exist on news. The necessity to require information is essential. Tithe faculty and students will keep this in mind and get information in early enough to our editors, the quality and efficiency of our newspaper will expand.

Appeal to the reader's interest. That's our basic goal this and every year. The only way, however, we can improve is through your suggestions. Keep that in mind the next time you criticize a certain aspect of our newspaper. Remember, our first responsibility is to you, the reader.